Could football really be coming home this weekend?

Swindon, along with the rest of England, is certainly hoping so.

The town’s pubs and bars have enjoyed a busy few weeks following the Three Lions’ journey through Euro 2024 and pulled out all the stops in a bid to provide the best possible atmosphere for fans.

Hunters of punters have gathered to experience each glorious goal, tense penalty, and questionable refereeing decision – but will they be raising a glass or drowning their sorrows when the final whistle blows?

Staff are preparing for a night to remember, with the showdown between England and Spain in Berlin kicking off at 8pm on Sunday evening.

At Shaw Ridge, The Ridge West’s outdoor fan zone has attracted up to 800 people per game and is already fully booked for the final.

Assistant manager Claiton Evans said: “It’s been really good so far, there’s a very positive atmosphere, and everyone’s had a great time.

“It’s been very lively and kept us on our toes, we’ve got a lot of stock in to make sure everything’s ready.

“Our VIP packages for Sunday sold out in 30 minutes and the rest within 12 hours, so it’s going to be packed.

“It will be a hard match – Spain will be the toughest team we’ve faced but we can definitely do it, we’ve pulled off a lot of miracles in this Euros.”

The Steam Railway in Old Town got into the spirit of the occasion by making its own mini Wembley Arch and has put in place measures that will help cut down on queues for drinks during the busiest moments.

Elly Griffiths said: “It’s been absolutely crazy, with 500 people here each time. The atmosphere is great – we have DJs playing for two hours before, then they play songs after each goal and at half and full time.

“There’s a one-in one-out system. People have been queueing out the door to get in and trying to watch the TVs through the gap. Some of them stayed there for the whole match, celebrating together.

“We have three bars, plenty of staff, and two-pint cups, so everyone gets seen in five minutes.

“On Wednesday, we weren’t sure if England would win but when they equalised, everyone realised it was actually going to happen. At the final whistle, no-one was drinking any more, they were all jumping up and down celebrating.

“People will be getting here a few hours early and have booked Monday off work to make the most of it. We expect to hit capacity at 4pm.

“For us to get as far as we have while not playing the best has to mean something. Spain have been incredible but I have a feeling we can beat them. Our last Euros final was devastating, we have to win.”

The Merlin boasts a red and white balloon arch at its front entrance along with several TVs so that anyone can get a good view of the action.

Joe Young said: “It’s been wild, the atmosphere has been amazing. People were on the edge of their seats during the second half on Wednesday.

“It’s like having a panoramic view in here , no matter where you turn, the match is playing.

“It’s going to be pretty busy – we’re nearly fully booked inside and our outside bar has a few places left.

“I hope we win but I really don’t know, it’s not going to be an easy one.”

Elsewhere in Swindon, Fabio's restaurant and Tesco and OneStop shops will close early so that staff can watch the final.